Rape Defense Lawyers, Archie, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Facing these charges can feel like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight to protect you from bad outcomes.
We protect Archie, MO, residents’ rights and give them a well-built case against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a confidential consultation.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been accused of sexual assault or rape in Archie, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- Years In Prison. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life sentences.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose many rights, particularly the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, and certain employment rights. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- Sex Offender Registration. If you’re convicted of rape, your name will likely be put on a public sex offender registry.
- Career Consequences. You can be fired just for being accused of rape.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. Because of this, you’ll need to hire Archie, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- A skillful group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is built for trial should your case go that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we lean on to come up with a favorable plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—call us now at (314) 900-HELP to get in touch with one of our rape defense lawyers today.
Legal Videos
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Defense Strategies Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Archie, MO Rape Charges:
Our Archie rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to defend against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- Physical Evidence: Evidence can make or break a case. Whether it’s DNA, injury reports, communication records, or something else.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we construct the most powerful defense possible for your circumstances and will keep you informed and up to date on how your case is progressing.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Archie, MO?
When most people think of rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Here are the different Archie, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when someone accuses you of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse with another person who is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
First-degree rape is the main criminal charge that most people think of when they hear “rape.”
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as engaging in sexual intercourse with someone without having their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but states that they did not.
First Degree Statutory Rape:
First Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.032 as an adult engaging in sexual intercourse with someone younger than fourteen.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory rape is that whether the alleged victim “consented” or not is irrelevant.
Second Degree Statutory Rape:
Second Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.034 as an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. Keep in mind that Missouri has special laws specifically regarding sexual intercourse with individuals in the in-between ages of fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another personor otherwise penetrating another person, while the alleged victim is unable to consent, or is made to do so by force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; even the penalties are the same. The difference between these two laws is in the action(s) that allegedly took place.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individual or otherwise penetrating someone, while knowing the other person does not consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but states they did not.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, no matter which action or degree you look at, you’ll find one of the key features is a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to beginning any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Archie rape defense lawyers will build a defense for you for any of the charges listed above, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Archie, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Archie if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want agroup of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to face a complex legal system alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws that allow 14-16 year olds to engage in sexual intercourse with someone close to them in age (up to four years their senior).
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
The Reality: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, there isn’t a legal definition of how drunk is too drunk to consent. That said, if there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Protects Against Rape Charges in Archie, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
We have two former prosecutors who know how the state builds its cases against you. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Get ahold of us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
